Has anyone ever looked into using sunlight for their tank? Any anecdotes? In the morning, I try to open the blinds near my tank to give it some natural light. I mean... it doesn't look right, but it is natural light. It does go through glass, but less water to penetrate than in the ocean. Thoughts?
Sunlight for reef tank?
- Thread starter Hiachi20
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Luno
Well-Known Member
I know of two guys who used natural light to light their tanks. It was expensive. They had to put these reflective tubes in from the roof down to the ceiling. They needed regular cleaning and maintenance and after a few months to a few years they both said they wouldn't do it again. Now that's on the full on side of scale.
If your talking just letting your tank get natural light from a window your gonna have to figure out how much worth it is. If it's only going to hittting one side, is it worth it. Are you getting any extra algae growth on that side.
I have had a tank get indirect sunlight from windows and light coming from the other side of the room. I liked this because all it was doing was evening out the blue in the tank and I could adjust it so during the day to my eyes i liked the look the natural blending did. I don't think it did much as far as provide light to the tank but it's reflective light blended and pleased my eyesight of the lighting in the tank.
If your talking just letting your tank get natural light from a window your gonna have to figure out how much worth it is. If it's only going to hittting one side, is it worth it. Are you getting any extra algae growth on that side.
I have had a tank get indirect sunlight from windows and light coming from the other side of the room. I liked this because all it was doing was evening out the blue in the tank and I could adjust it so during the day to my eyes i liked the look the natural blending did. I don't think it did much as far as provide light to the tank but it's reflective light blended and pleased my eyesight of the lighting in the tank.
U
User1
Guest
There are some tanks running solar tubes. Not sure how popular they are these days but they do produce some serious lighting if your home can accommodate them. Use whatever your favorite search engine is and you should come up with some examples. I've also seen a few tanks in sunrooms. Again, if set up properly there is enough natural light to work with that may only require some supplemental. Lastly, there are some folks here, at least one with an amazing tank, down in Southern California that run outdoor tanks. Impressive to say the least.
I think it comes down to what your budget is, solar power or lighting window (forget what the term is but it is used widely in solar. What your maximum power generating light and it would vary by geolocation), and what your goal(s) are. It is possible and then something simple has a window. That is what I do in the morning and have for a while. Open blinds, get direct light, and let it ride. Really just up to you.
I think it comes down to what your budget is, solar power or lighting window (forget what the term is but it is used widely in solar. What your maximum power generating light and it would vary by geolocation), and what your goal(s) are. It is possible and then something simple has a window. That is what I do in the morning and have for a while. Open blinds, get direct light, and let it ride. Really just up to you.
Gonzo74
Nibbling on sponge cake...
My tank is in an area where sunlight hits it during certain time so the day. I have noticed that if the curtains stay open, it does aid in growing algae a little faster. Could be coincidence, or could not.
